Key facts about Clarithromycin
What dosages is Clarithromycin available in?
Clarithromycin is available as a 250 mg and 500 mg oral tablet as well as a 125 mg/5 ml and 250 mg/5 ml oral suspension.
What is Clarithromycin used for?
Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used for lung infections related to on-going bronchitis in adults, pneumonia in adults and children, sinus infections in adults and children, strep throat in adults and children, tonsil infections in adults and children, skin infections in adults and childrens, ear infections in children, treatment and prevention of certain infections in adults with HIV, and stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in adults (tablets only).
How does Clarithromycin work?
Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. It works by stopping bacteria from making certain proteins inside their cells. This causes the bacteria to not be able to grow and survive.
How do I take Clarithromycin?
Clarithromycin is typically taken by mouth every 12 hours for up to 14 days, depending on the type and severity of the infection.
Is it safe for me to take Clarithromycin?
Clarithromycin is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not take this medication if you have a known hypersensitivity to Clarithromycin, erythromycin, or any of the macrolide antibiotics, a history of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction, or currently take cisapride,pimozide, astemizole, terfenadine, and ergotamine or dihydroergotamine.
Clarithromycin Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Clarithromycin include:
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Change in taste
- Other Side Effects
- Indigestion
- Allergic reaction
- Fungal infection
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Rash
Clarithromycin Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Clarithromycin. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic or skin reactions: hives, rash, blisters, fever, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, skin reddening, or skin peeling
- Worsening liver problems or liver failure: swelling of your stomach, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, confusion, dark or brown urine
- Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation): chest pounding, trouble breathing, chest pain, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Infectious (C. difficile-related) diarrhea: rapid heart rate, foul-smelling diarrhea, fever, nausea, frequent bowel movements (even up to 15 times per day)
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Clarithromycin
The following medications may interact with Clarithromycin:
- CYP3A4 substrates – These include colchicine toxicity with colchicine; rhabdomyolysis with simvastatin, lovastatin, and atorvastatin; and hypotension with calcium channel blockers metabolized by CYP3A4 (e.g., verapamil, amlodipine, diltiazem)
Who makes Clarithromycin?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Clarithromycin safe in pregnancy?
Clarithromycin should not be used during pregnancy unless there is no appropriate alternative. If you become pregnant while receiving Clarithromycin, talk to your healthcare provider.
